Long Lellang helicopter crash victims died of severe burns, post-mortems confirm

SEVERE burn injuries were confirmed as the cause of death of all five victims in last Tuesday’s Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Sarawak, police said.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said post-mortems on all five victims were completed at 7.30pm yesterday, with authorities now awaiting DNA results for scientific confirmation of their identities.

“For now, we are awaiting the results of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples for scientific confirmation,” he said.

The victims were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30; medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamaruddin, 33; medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31; and nurses Debra Moset, 40, and Jessie Paya Jok, 44.

The BO-105 helicopter, carrying the five people, crashed near the Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) in Ulu Baram last Tuesday while conducting a medical flight.

Earlier, the Health Ministry said it’s reviewing the future of FDS operations in Sarawak following the crash, including operational costs, fuel expenditure and aircraft maintenance schedules.

Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad said discussions with the ministry had also examined potential cooperation with relevant agencies to support the air operations.

“Several other matters are also being examined, including cooperation with relevant agencies to support these air operations,” he said.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had previously said the ministry was conducting a comprehensive assessment of the FDS framework in Sarawak, covering safety, governance and the suitability of existing service contracts.

The ministry also plans further discussions with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and other relevant agencies to ensure continuity of the service.

The Health Ministry said the safety of medical personnel and patients remained its highest priority, while access to healthcare for people in remote areas would continue to be ensured through the safest and most practical transport alternatives. - September 11, 2026